Evidence to the Assisted Dying Commission “emphasises the urgent need for reform” says the BHA

February 24th, 2011

A call for urgent reform of the law in relation to assisted dying by a senior representative of a regional health authority has been welcomed by the British Humanist Association (BHA).

Pauline Smith, the End of Life Lead for NHS West Midlands said yesterday the law was not fit for the 21st century and ‘we really do need to look at a system that allows public and patient choice in ways that the law does not allow at the minute’.

Ms Smith was clear that although NHS West Midlands does not maintain an official position on assisted dying, changes must be made as there is ‘abuse in the current NHS system’, with some assistance occurring covertly.

The comments were made before the Commission on Assisted Dying, an independent inquiry being supported by the think-tank Demos, which has also invited the BHA to provide evidence at a future hearing.

Naomi Philips, BHA Head of Public Affairs welcomed the contribution to the debate: ‘Comments such as these from professionals with frontline experience emphasises the urgent need for reform in our approach towards assisted dying.

‘The law as it stands does not respect the autonomy of individuals with terminal or life limiting conditions who make an informed decision that they wish to end their lives. Additionally, friends or relatives who help their relatives travel to jurisdictions where assisted dying is permissible face the additional distress of possible arrest and prosecution.

Ms Phillips continued: ‘The BHA looks forward to being able to contribute to the Commission shortly, and hope that the weight of evidence will contribute to the argument for a rational, ethical and humane policy on assisted dying.’

Notes

For further comment or information, contact Naomi Phillips on 020 7079 3585.

Read the Telegraph’s article on Pauline Smith’s evidence to the hearing

The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the non-religious and campaigning for an end to religious privilege and discrimination. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for a secular state.

Our Campaigns

We want a country where institutions such as Parliament are separate from religious organisations, and everyone is treated equally, regardless of their beliefs.

Equality & Human Rights

As humanists, we support the right of every person to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be allowed to speak, and believe, as they wish.

Bishops in the House of Lords

26 Church of England Bishops sit as of right in the House of Lords, amending legislation. This unique privilege is unfair, unjustified and unpopular.

Assisted Dying

We believe individuals should have a right to decide to end their life if they are suffering, and that relatives and doctors should be able to assist that person.

Pseudoscience

NHS funding is spent on homeopathy, despite no evidence that it has health benefits beyond the placebo effect. This could be spent on other treatment.

Animal Welfare

UK law requires that animals killed for food are stunned before slaughter, as this is the most humane method – except with religious slaughter such as kosher and some halal, where there are exemptions.